Scandinavian-style
Scandi-style interior design is clean yet inviting, we share 6 ways to incorporate this style in your space! Scandi-style interior design is clean, crisp, inviting, and calming yet very interesting. As a movement, Scandinavian design began in the early 20th century, mixing old and new styles from Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Norway. In the 1950s, Scandinavian interior design gained traction in the US and Canada. The Scandinavian design reflects both modern trends and traditional styles, leading to an overall style that blends a fresh design with timeless craftsmanship.
The style is simple and minimal, functional and accessible, and incorporates the crafts yet remains affordable. We share with you 6 ways to adapt this style to the needs of your space.
1. Style Minimalistic
Scandi style emphasizes bright, light, and open spaces, with enough room to move and breathe within them. Visual elements like clean lines and white space evoke a sense of calm and productivity. The most important thing is to declutter, but go for ‘lagom’, a Swedish term that translates to “in-between” or “just right.” There should not be too much, nor too little. It is a matter of personal preference and you will understand it as you start doing it.
2. Quality over Quantity
In keeping with the Scandinavian tradition of craftsmanship, invest in high-quality, multi-purpose or practical pieces. Scandi style incorporates furniture, light fixtures, and other functional items that have a modern and striking look while remaining simple and not overly ornate. Ordinary objects become decorative elements in their own right. Choose stylish designs in the ordinary and storage-as-décor pieces like garment and shoe racks, shelves and organizers, and other storage-included items—all of which can function as helpers in your home and stunning design elements.
3. Fall in Love with Nature
The Scandi style has a unique and deep appreciation for nature because, historically, natural resources in Scandinavian countries were scarce. People had to learn to work with nature, to understand and respect it, in order to get the most out of what nature offered. This appreciation for nature comes through in the way Scandinavians spend time outdoors, and in the way they design and decorate their homes.
You can honour nature as a Scandinavian design principle by incorporating natural elements, such as light and bright wood, nature-inspired sculptural pieces, house plants, and natural textiles and upholstery, such as wool, mohair, sheepskin, linen, jute, burlap, and more. Use plants and natural objects in vignettes. Let in light and views from outside. And whenever you can, use eco-friendly and sustainable materials in your home.
4. Style with Textiles
Scandi style is about warmth, the cosy kind, so go for warm rugs in neutral or earthy colours. You can experiment with carpets, curtains, throws, rugs or some creative doormats. Scandi emphasizes comfort and warmth and there is nothing better to add these to a space than the creative use of varied textiles. You can also hang up your own art or creative work to bring about this look!
5. Use Contrast
Scandi style uses contrast as a design element. Contrast can apply to a wide range of design elements (think: shape, size, texture, mood). Instead of contrasting colours, contrast light and dark neutrals, old pieces and new pieces, abstract and natural, straight and wavy, neutral and flashes of colour, hard and soft, utility and cosiness. This is done so as to enable the eyes to relax and enjoy diversity in one’s space.
6. Bring in Hygge
Many assume that the Scandi style is all about minimalism, but that’s not true, the clean lines of the Scandi style are always punctuated with warmer textures and colours, it’s all about bringing hygge.
Hygge is a Danish word that roughly translates to cosy togetherness. And since the Scandinavian design is informed by the dark and bitterness of Scandinavian winters, staying warm and comfortable is essential.
To increase hygge, add things that remind you of warmth and comfort, such as candles, soft blankets, and slippers. Hygge is very much about relaxation and ease, so add throw blankets that are unfolded, covers rumpled, and well-loved items in clear view. Plan and create corners of comfort, such as cosy chairs for reading and drinking tea.
Scandi style is immensely popular now and is constantly evolving to accommodate changes in tastes and lifestyle and we are keen to see how this style evolves over the coming years!
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